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Spirited attempts by Morgan Tsvangirai and his faction in the now-divided MDC-T to remove Ian Kay and several mayors and councillors have boomeranged, leaving the embattled opposition leader exposed, it emerged.
Party spokesman Douglas Mwonzora – seen as a hatchet man for Tsvangirai – told reporters on Thursday that Kay had not been suspended.
Earlier, an MDC-T Mashonaland East provincial official told the media that Kay had been suspended, adding to the confusion.
However, Mwonzora said suspensions were communicated in writing and no letter had been written to the outspoken former Marondera Central MP.
Kay earned the wrath of Tsvangirai after allegedly calling him a “rusty bolt” that needs to be replaced. Kay denies mentioning Tsvangirai’s name in a newspaper interview. However, his demands for a change of guard on the “sinking ship” were endorsed by many party supporters on social networks, further weakening Tsvangirai’s position.
Mwonzora claimed Tsvangirai had “permitted” debate on a change of leadership, but would not tolerate discussions “outside the party”, virtually banning the loud calls for his departure in the media and on social networks.
On mayors and councillors, Mwonzora contradicted earlier statements from party officials, saying: “No councillor or mayor has been expelled from the party contrary to some media reports, and are carrying out their duties as elected local council authorities.”
He, however, said the officials were under probe by a team comprising Shepherd Mushonga, Sibusisiwe Masara and James Makore and results would be published.
“The MDC internal investigation on its councillors who defied the party’s constitution and rules is ongoing in Mutare, Victoria Falls, Redcliff, Norton and Gweru,” Mwonzora said.
There are growing calls for Tsvangirai to step down after being defeated by Mugabe three consecutive times.